Kiwi Cucumber Cooler
Kiwi Cucumber Cooler is a refreshing drink that feels like a cool breeze on a hot day. With the bright, tangy taste of kiwi and the crisp, clean flavor of…
By Fatima
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Reading time: 6 min
Kiwi Cucumber Cooler is a refreshing drink that feels like a cool breeze on a hot day. With the bright, tangy taste of kiwi and the crisp, clean flavor of cucumber, it’s light and thirst-quenching. A touch of sweetness and a splash of citrus lift the whole drink, making it perfect for a quick pick-me-up or to share with friends.
I love making this cooler when I want something fresh and easy to whip up. The best part is how the kiwi’s tartness blends smoothly with the soothing notes of cucumber, creating a balanced drink that’s not too sweet or too sour. I sometimes add a few mint leaves because they bring a little extra brightness, which just takes it to another level.
This cooler is great for summer gatherings or even just relaxing on the porch. I like to serve it over plenty of ice and sometimes add a slice of cucumber or a wedge of kiwi on top for a little extra flair. It’s such a simple way to feel refreshed and cool without anything heavy or complicated.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Kiwis
- The star of this cooler, kiwis bring a bright, tangy flavor and a bit of natural sweetness. If you don’t have fresh kiwis, you can use frozen or canned ones, but fresh gives the best taste and texture.
- Cucumber
- Adds a cool, mild taste that balances kiwi’s tartness. English cucumbers are great because they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin. If needed, you can replace cucumber with zucchini for a similar texture but milder flavor.
- Sugar or Honey
- Sweetens the drink just enough to balance the tart kiwi. I prefer honey for a more natural flavor, but sugar or agave syrup works fine too. Adjust sweetness based on your taste.
- Lime Juice
- Adds a zesty kick that freshens the drink. Fresh lime juice is best, but bottled lime juice can work in a pinch.
- Sparkling Water or Club Soda
- This makes the cooler bubbly and light. If you don’t have sparkling water, plain cold water or lightly flavored soda water can be substituted.
How Do You Get a Smooth, Seed-Free Kiwi Cucumber Cooler?
Kiwi seeds can be a bit grainy and affect the texture if not handled carefully. Here’s how to get a smooth and refreshing drink:
- Blend well: Start by blending kiwis and cucumber until fully smooth to release all the flavors.
- Strain the juice: Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve or strainer. Use the back of a spoon to gently press the pulp and extract as much juice as possible while leaving seeds behind.
- Don’t skip chilling: Make sure your sparkling water and glass are cold to keep the drink refreshing and fizzy for longer.
These steps ensure your cooler is smooth, crisp, and perfectly balanced!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Blender – makes it easy to quickly blend the kiwi and cucumber into a smooth juice.
- Fine mesh strainer – helps remove kiwi seeds and pulp for a smooth drink texture.
- Measuring spoons – to get the right amount of sugar or honey and lime juice.
- Pitcher or large glass – for mixing and pouring the cooler into individual glasses.
- Glasses – use clear glasses to show off the vibrant green color and add ice for chill.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add fresh mint leaves to the blender or as a garnish to boost freshness and aroma.
- Try swapping lime juice for lemon juice if you prefer a slightly different citrus note.
- Mix in a splash of coconut water for a hint of tropical sweetness and extra hydration.
- Include a small slice of jalapeño in the blender for a gentle spicy kick that contrasts the cooling cucumber.
How to Make Kiwi Cucumber Cooler?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 ripe kiwis, peeled and chopped (plus extra slices for garnish)
- ½ medium cucumber, peeled and chopped (plus thin slices for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ½ cup cold sparkling water or club soda
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Kiwi Cucumber Cooler takes about 10 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes blending, straining, mixing, and garnishing. It’s quick and easy to enjoy right away!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blend the Kiwi and Cucumber:
Start by putting the peeled and chopped kiwis and cucumber in a blender. Add the sugar or honey and fresh lime juice. Blend everything until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2. Strain the Juice:
Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a pitcher or large glass. Use the back of a spoon to press the pulp gently, extracting as much liquid as possible while removing seeds and bits for a smooth drink.
3. Assemble the Cooler:
Fill two glasses with ice cubes. Pour the strained kiwi-cucumber juice into the glasses, filling each about three-quarters full. Top them off with cold sparkling water or club soda. Stir gently to mix.
4. Garnish and Serve:
Decorate each glass with thin slices of kiwi and cucumber inside. Add a sprig of fresh mint for a lovely finish if you like. Serve immediately and enjoy your cool, refreshing Kiwi Cucumber Cooler!
Can I Use Frozen Kiwi or Cucumber?
Yes, you can use frozen kiwi or cucumber, but make sure to thaw them completely before blending. This helps achieve a smooth texture without extra water from ice crystals.
How Can I Make This Drink Less Sweet?
Simply reduce the amount of sugar or honey, or skip it altogether if you prefer a more tart and natural flavor from the kiwis and lime juice.
Can I Prepare This Cooler Ahead of Time?
It’s best enjoyed fresh for maximum fizz and flavor, but you can prepare the kiwi-cucumber juice in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add the sparkling water and ice right before serving.
What’s a Good Alternative to Sparkling Water?
If you don’t have sparkling water, plain cold water or a light soda like lemon-lime can work, but the drink will be less bubbly and refreshing.